SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS IN THE GENUS SPHAGNUM

High-spectral resolution reflectance data were acquired in the laborat ory for four species of Sphagnum (peat moss): S. cuspidatum, S. papill osum, S. fallax, and S. capillifolium. All four species had different spectral reflectance properties. Species differences were noted especi ally in the visible portion of the spectrum from 0.45 mum to 0.70 mum; some major spectral differences were also noted in the near infrared (0.70-1.3 mum). Samples analyzed had much lower reflectance than typic al green vegetation in the midinfrared region of the spectrum from 1.3 0 mum to 2.40 mum. In addition, Sphagnum had very pronounced water-rel ated absorption features at about 1.00 mum and 1.20 mum, unlike typica l green vegetation. Spectral data acquired as samples were dried indic ated large spectral increases with increasing dryness, especially in t he midinfrared. Simulated Landsat Thematic Mapper 5/4 band ratio data were linearly related to the log of wet weight/dry weight.